Person hospitalised after industrial accident near Boroughbridge

A person was taken to hospital following an industrial accident near Boroughbridge on Tuesday.

Yorkshire Ambulance Service today said the incident was reported just after 10pm on April 30.

A spokesperson said the ambulance was dispatched to a unit in the Becklands Close area of Roecliffe.

One patient was “conveyed to hospital”, they added.

The Stray Ferret also contacted North Yorkshire Police about the incident.

A police spokesperson said it received reports of an “industrial” incident but added it was not believed anyone suffered “life-threatening injuries”.

The spokesperson said a police investigation has not been launched.

We also approached the Health and Safety Executive for further information. A spokesperson said:

“At this stage, HSE does not have an active role as the incident has not been officially reported to us through the reporting of injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences regulations (RIDDOR)”.

The incident comes just over a month after a man died in an industrial accident at the Macadam garage in Ripon.

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How to vote in today’s mayoral election

Polling stations across Harrogate and Craven open at 7am today for residents to choose the first-ever mayor of York and North Yorkshire.

Here is everything you need to know about the election.

What will the mayor do?

The mayor will lead a new public body called the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority which will receive £750 million in funding from central government over 30 years.

It means the new mayor will have £18 million a year to spend and will take charge of the combined authority, which will include two councillors each from North Yorkshire Council and City of York Council.

There will be new powers to improve public transport although services will still be delivered by the local authorities.

More money will also be available to support the building of new homes on brownfield land.

The mayor will also be key in developing skills across the region and attracting investment from businesses.

The mayor will be paid £81,300 a year.

Who is standing?

Conservatives: Keane Duncan – A former journalist who is a Malton councillor and is in charge of transport on the council’s decision-making executive.

Labour: David Skaith – A Harrogate-born shopkeeper who is chair of the York High Street Forum.

Liberal Democrats: Felicity Cunliffe-Lister – A Masham councillor and owner of the Swinton Park Hotel.

Green Party: Kevin Foster – A Richmond councillor and former soldier who worked as a civil servant for 30 years.

Independent: Keith Tordoff – A former police officer in West Yorkshire and former owner of The Oldest Sweet Shop In The World in Pateley Bridge.

Independent: Paul Haslam – A Harrogate councillor and business consultant who quit the Conservatives to stand as an independent.

Where can I vote?

If you’re on the electoral register you should have received a polling card in the post that says which polling station you should attend.

For a full list of polling stations in the Harrogate/Craven area visit here.

Polling stations will be open from 7am until 10pm.

You do not need to bring your polling card to vote but you do need ID. The following forms of ID will be accepted:

When will the winner be announced?

Unlike general elections, the count will not take place overnight, so it means you’ll have to wait until Friday before the winner is announced.

This will take place at Harrogate Convention Centre with counting underway from 9am. A winner could be announced by 12pm.

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Mayoral candidates make final pitches to voters

Candidates in tomorrow’s York and North Yorkshire mayoral election have been out and about making their final attempts to woo voters.

Polling stations will open at 7am tomorrow (May 2) and close at 10pm.

Counting won’t start until Friday so whoever is elected to the £81,300 role is unlikely to be known until Friday afternoon.

The six contenders have been using a variety of methods to win votes as the campaign draws to a close — from TikTok videos to meeting people in the street.

Conservative candidate Keane Duncan posted on social media that his 100-day-campervan trip across the county was coming to an end. He published more photos of him meeting residents and pledged ‘bold, ambitious action for York and North Yorkshire’, adding:

“I’ve campaigned everywhere. Not just in the major settlements, but in the remotest outposts too.”

Keane Duncan

Labour’s David Skaith posted a photo of himself on the campaign trail with West Yorkshire’s Labour mayor Tracy Brabin. He said:

“We’ve been knocking on thousands of doors right across York and North Yorkshire and it’s very clear that people are desperate for change.”

David Skaith and supporters

Liberal Democrat Felicity Cunliffe-Lister, who has been in Knaresborough today, said on social media:

“Lots to talk about and lots of hope and optimism that this election will bring about the change that we need – voters choosing me for my skills and business experience, a hard working candidate with common sense who will get the very best for all of us.”

Pateley Bridge-based Independent Keith Tordoff has taken to TikTok as part of his campaign.

A few days ago he posted a video of him hitting the heavy bag in boxing gloves to Rocky music, before pausing to say:

“It’s time we knocked the Tories, Labour, the main parties, out of York and North Yorkshire.”

Bilton’s Paul Haslam stood in Harrogate town centre with recyclable home-made banners talking to people.

He told the Stray Ferret he had loved the chance to get out and meet people and, as an independent with strong business background, felt he was well placed to push forward ideas such as an integrated transport policy.

Paul Haslam

Green candidate Kevin Foster posted a video of himself by a river, saying:

“As your mayor I will fight for North Yorkshire to get our fair share from the government. People tell me they want change from the same old parties letting them down.”

The Stray Ferret will bring live election coverage of Friday’s count followed by reaction and analysis over the weekend.

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Business Q&A: Andrew North, Alexanders Prestige

This is the latest in a regular series of Business Q&A features published weekly.     

This week, we spoke to Andrew North, director of Alexanders Prestige, the luxury car specialist based in Boroughbridge.

Tell us in fewer than 30 words what your firm does. 

We buy, sell and service all makes of prestige, luxury and supercars. We’re based in Boroughbridge and we’ve been looking after our national clients for 20 years.

What’s the most expensive car you’ve sold?

A very rare Porsche 911 for £650,000.

What does it require to be successful in business? 

You’ve got to love what you do. It’s important to employ the right people, who have the same beliefs and work ethic that you do. And one thing all businesses need to recognise: cash is king!

What drives you to do what you do every day? 

Probably my huge overheads!

I love what I do and I’m a car enthusiast. I’m always trying to find new ways to adapt to the marketplace, which is ever-changing, both from an economic and a digital point of view.

You’ve got to be constantly on it, and more than ever, that means digitally. Apart from repeat customers, the majority of our leads come via the internet. You wouldn’t believe the amount of £200,000 to £300,000 cars we send to customers around the UK who we’ve never met, and who haven’t even seen the car before. It’s all done online.

What has been the toughest issue your company has had to deal with over the last 12 months? 

Probably two things. First, post-covid the availability of stock has been limited. A lot of the cars we sell are used, but not very old, and because of the pandemic, not many cars were produced in 2021-22, so they can be quite hard to find.

Secondly, after covid there was a big surge in prices of cars, but that was followed in late 2023 by a big price crash. Some cars went down by £50-60,000 overnight. When you’re carrying about 100 cars in stock, that’s quite painful!

Which other local firms do you most admire and why? 

I think what Valeria Sykes achieved at Grantley Hall should be commended. She took a ruin and turned it into the best hotel in the UK, but using only Yorkshire firms. What Valeria’s done for Yorkshire is absolutely fantastic.

Photo of Andrew North, director of luxury car specialist Alexanders Prestige in Boroughbridge.

Alexanders Prestige turns over £70 million a year.

Who are the most inspiring local leaders? 

I’m not political at all, so I probably couldn’t give you one!

What could be done locally to boost business? 

Whether it’s classed as local or not, I don’t know, but more could be done for green energy. A business of our size would definitely go more green if there were more incentives, such as grants for solar energy and electric charging for cars.

Best and worst things about running a business from Boroughbridge? 

Yorkshire people are the best, in that they’re lovely and straight-talking and honest.

Then again, they’re probably the worst too – we all know how careful with their money Yorkshire people can be!

What are your business plans for the future? 

Our plan is to continue to organically grow our business. Our big focus now is on the digital and social media side. If we’re not at the forefront of that, we could be left behind. I think we are at the forefront now – or close to it – but we need to stay there.

What do you like to do in your time off? 

I like to spend it with my family, travelling, eating out, and watching my son go-karting.

Best place to eat and drink locally? 

We eat fairly regularly at Grantley Hall, and I also like the Abbey Inn at Byland. It has a very relaxed atmosphere, and Tommy Banks, the Michelin-starred chef, does the best ‘real’ food you can get. If you have a burger there, it’s the best you’ll ever have.

I also like Will & Vic’s on Cold Bath Road in Harrogate. It’s a great social place, and I like being in the hustle and bustle of town.

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Local river bathers to get live data on sewage

Outdoor bathers at places such as Knaresborough Lido will be able to get almost real time data this summer on sewage being pumped into rivers.

There has been widespread concern about the state of local rivers, especially the Nidd and Ure.

Yorkshire Water announced yesterday it had launched an interactive map that will provide current information on the operation of storm overflows.

Water companies use storm overflows to release extra rainwater and wastewater into rivers when the sewerage system is at risk of being overwhelmed.

This usually happens during heavy rainfall but there has been concern about the overflows operating at other times and pumping more sewage into waterways.

Opaque, pale brown water in the River Nidd, caused by pollution.

River Nidd 

The interactive map has been launched ahead of the 2024 bathing water season, which runs from May 14 to September 30.

It shows the live status of each of Yorkshire Water’s storm overflows, when they last discharged into a watercourse and for how long. The information refreshes at 15-minute intervals,

Yorkshire has 2,180 storm overflows and Ben Roche, director of wastewater at Yorkshire Water, said the map would increase transparency for customers:

Mr Roche said:

“All the data will be available to anyone accessing the map. We have decided to launch now, ahead of the bathing water season to ensure customers are better informed about our operations in their area.

“We know replumbing the whole of Yorkshire is not a quick fix as it would be both significantly disruptive and costly to customers. The map shows just how big an engineering challenge this is from the vast numbers of overflows we have.”

He added Yorkshire Water was “investing £180m by the end of April 2025 to tackle 134 of the more frequently discharging overflows”.

The £180m investment is split into four areas, he added. They are: increasing storage at Yorkshire Water’s wastewater treatment works and within the sewage network; separating surface water from the combined sewer system; reducing groundwater infiltration into sewers; and changes to the operation of treatment works.

You can view the storm overflow map here.

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Business Breakfast: Boroughbridge business wins employer of the year

Boroughbridge based Green-tech has been awarded the title of ‘Employer of the Year’ at the ProLandscaper Business Awards 2024.

Green-tech is the UK’s leading supplier of landscaping and forestry products and is based at Rabbit Hill Business Park, just off the A168 near Boroughbridge.

The ProLandscaper Business Awards recognise outstanding achievements and innovation across the landscaping industry.

Green-tech was among six finalists for the award. The awards ceremony was held in London on April 19.

Green-tech’s managing director Kris Nellist said:

“We are incredibly honoured to be named Employer of the Year at the ProLandscaper Business Awards 2024. Green-tech strives to create a supportive and inclusive work environment where our employees can thrive and reach their full potential. Winning this award not only validates our efforts but is a testament to the dedication and hard work of every member of the Green-tech team for working to get Green-tech where it is today.”

Harrogate law firm promotes new head of family law

Head of family law at LCF Law, Harjit Rait

A Harrogate law firm has announced a new head of its family law department.

LCF Law’s has confirmed that Harjit Rait will lead the department following her promotion. She is a Resolution accredited specialist family lawyer.

Ms Rait said:

“During my time at LCF Law I have been fortunate to help many people at difficult times in their lives. My clients and my work, are both hugely important to me. In my new role I will continue to work with my own clients and support everyone in the family law team, but I will also become more involved with the strategic development of the department, which is something I’m looking forward to.”

LCF Law’s managing partner, Ragan Montgomery, said:

“I’ve known Harjit since our university days, and I can confidently say she has the right personality and skills for the role. She builds excellent relationships with her clients, is a fabulous networker and is very supportive of the development of others. Her talent for forging and maintaining excellent working relationships during her 22-year legal career will stand her in good stead as she continues to build on the successes of our trusted family law team.”

Theakston’s Brewery continues cricket sponsorship

Simon Theakston, chairman of Theakston’s Brewery.

T&R Theakston is set to sponsor the Nidderdale and District Amateur Cricket League for another season.

The brewery has sponsored the league for over a decade. England Test player Jonny Bairstow and Yorkshire players Ben Coad, Jonny Tattersall and Finlay Bean all started their junior cricket careers in the Nidderdale League.

This year marks the 130th anniversary of the league’s founding, making it one of the oldest and largest village cricket leagues in the country.

Chairman of Theakston’s Brewery, Simon Theakston said:

“We’re very proud to be entering our 15th season of supporting the Theakston Nidderdale Cricket League. The League, under the expert guidance of Sir Thomas, is the cornerstone of North Yorkshire community sporting activity and has been for very many years. Much like the local pub, the village cricket club holds a significant role as a place to feel welcome, to belong, meet friends and share experiences. With Theakston beers on hand to toast their successes and commiserate any losses, we wish the teams taking part in this year’s league all the best for the season ahead.”

Harrogate Clothes Bank announces new Business Club initiative

Harrogate Clothes Bank

Harrogate Clothes Bank  has announced a new business sponsorship club to help support its operations.

The charity, which offers free secondhand clothes to people in need, is looking for business sponsors who can contribute towards their rent.

Based Hornbeam Business Park, the organisation is looking for sponsors who can each donate, or pledge to fundraise, the equivalent of one month’s rent of its warehouse premises.

A spokesperson for the charity said:

“We are 100% funded by charitable donations and rely on support from businesses and the community. Harrogate Clothes Bank is run entirely by volunteers who sort donations, run our public-facing sessions and fundraising events, as well as provide invaluable behind-the-scenes expertise. We serve Harrogate and the surrounding communities and people find us through organisations such as social services, homelessness housing support, food banks, GPs, churches, schools, colleges, refugees and asylum seeker support groups.”

“We could not continue to run our vital service without this amazing local support.”

Jespers manager celebrates 30 years at the store

Jespers of Harrogate’s manager Lynn Cummings outside the shop in the centre of town.

Lynn Cummings is celebrating her 30th year with Harrogate business Jespers.

She joined the firm as a sales assistant on April 18th, 1994, before being promoted to second assistant retail manager two-and-a-half years later.

In 1997, she was sent to manage the York store, and returned to Harrogate in 1999 to take up the role of manager, which she has held since.

Ms Cummings said:

“I’ve seen a lot of changes at Jespers over the three decades. We had manual tills and I remember all the typewriters on display in the shop window. It was a different type of era, more traditional. We used to do printing, rubber stamps, and we had the pen counter, which was seen as a privilege to be asked to work on. Although much has changed, our traditional values of high-quality products and personal customer service remain. And the pen counter is still here, making us one of the few shops in the north of England to display an extensive range of pens that customers can try out.”

Harrogate Town partner with mental health charity

Wellspring-Pitch Positive

Harrogate Town AFC has embarked on a partnership with North Yorkshire mental health charity Wellspring Therapy & Training

The EFL League Two club hosted Wellspring at one of its popular Pitch Positive sessions held at Rossett Sports Centre.

The Pitch Positive evenings, which involve five-a-side football matches followed by informal group discussions over coffee, tea and biscuits, are designed to promote men’s mental health and wellbeing. Wellspring was represented by interim chief executive Nick Garrett and his colleague Robert Beaumont.

Lee McArthur, activity leader of Harrogate Town’s Community Foundation and one of the organisers of Pitch Positive, said:

“Thank you to Wellspring for your time, expertise, and dedication to supporting those navigating mental health challenges. Your presence truly made a difference and we are immensely grateful for the partnership between Pitch Positive and Wellspring.”

Coffee Lounge launches evening opening hours

Tom Gordon & Leda

Westmoreland Coffee Lounge has announced new evening opening hours.

In addition to their usual 8am-4pm hours, the shop will now be open 8am – until late Thursday to Saturday’s serving a range of alcoholic drinks including wine, spirits and cocktails.

Local businesses and residents from Westmoreland St & East Parade attended the launch event on Saturday 20th April.

Liberal Democrats parliamentary candidate, Tom Gordon, attended the launch evening.

He said:

“It was fantastic to be at the launch for Westmoreland Coffee Lounges new evening opening hours,  and supporting Leda & the team. It’s a lovely little spot to work and relax, and it’s one of my regular places – just round the corner from where I live. Their coffee has always been fantastic, and I can confirm their espresso martinis are great too. I’m so thrilled to see this local business thriving & the fantastic turn out for the launch on Saturday evening.”

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How will North Yorkshire’s mayor help the economy?

Investment, attracting business and growing the economy – that has been the mantra for most of the candidates vying to become the first Mayor of York and North Yorkshire.

For all the six people contesting the position, each of them has sought to push their credentials for how they would help to grow the county’s economy and attract enterprise.

Some have emphasised their business background, while others have opted for ambitious pledges to regenerate parts of North Yorkshire.

However, the powers afforded to the mayor to directly support enterprise appear limited and much of their influence may come from “championing” the region to attract investment.

The Stray Ferret has covered the mayoral race extensively. In this article, we look at how a mayor can support the local economy and what they can do to boost investment.

The economic future of North Yorkshire

When the devolution deal for York and North Yorkshire was announced, politicians described it as a “watershed” moment for the region.

Much of the emphasis on the deal, which included the introduction of a combined authority, was about investment. Cllr Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire Council, described it in August 2022 as an opportunity to drive “future prosperity and much better opportunities”.

The devolution agreement included a £540 million mayoral investment fund over 30 years – which the mayor themselves can use to help stimulate business, should they wish to.

James Farrar.

James Farrar.

When the Stray Ferret interviewed James Farrar, director of economy and interim head of paid service at York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, last month, he said the mayor would invest “a huge amount of money in the economic future” of the region.

He said:

“These are investments in transport, skills, housing and business which will have an impact on the future lives of residents across York and North Yorkshire.

“It’s the first time we have had one of these economic mayors. They have a huge amount of money to invest and a huge amount of responsibilities.”

Economic powers

So, how could the mayor boost the economy and attract investment?

The role comes with powers over transport, adult education and skills, as well as the ability to set up a mayoral development corporation to regenerate specific areas in North Yorkshire.

But, much of the power to attract investment and enterprise appears to rely on the influence associated with the mayor. In other words, the responsibility for “banging the drum” for the county.

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Dr Richard Hayton, associate professor of politics at the University of Leeds, told the Stray Ferret that the powers afforded to the mayor would have a “limited capacity” for them to directly help the economy.

However, he added that they would have the ability to help co-ordinate other sectors to drive further investment.

Dr Hayton said:

“On their own the mayor will only have a limited capacity to directly boost the economy. 

“However, hopefully a key role for the mayor will be to act as a champion for the region who can attract investment for example by co-ordinating different parts of the public and private sector to work together towards key objectives.”

Perhaps the closest and most recent example of this is the new £26.5 million railway station at the White Rose Centre in Leeds.

While the scheme is not directly funded by Tracy Brabin, the Mayor of West Yorkshire, it is a scheme led by West Yorkshire Combined Authority – which Ms Brabin chairs – and includes private developers Munroe K and Spencer Group.

Ms Brabin has been seen championing the project by backing the scheme in public statements and visiting the site, which aligns with the idea that metro mayors are seen as a “figurehead” for their region.

Tracy Brabin pictured at the construction site of the White Rose station. Picture: West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Tracy Brabin pictured at the construction site of the White Rose station. Picture: West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Dr Andrew Mycock, chief policy fellow at the Yorkshire and Humber Policy Engagement and Research Network, told the Stray Ferret that the regional champion role of the mayor was important.

He said Ms Brabin in particular does “a lot of advocacy work” and has a public image which people in turn associate with the region.

Dr Mycock said:

“It is something that has been positive. You look at Tracy Brabin, she has a strong public role.

“A lot of her role is about advocacy.”

He added that, economically, whoever is elected mayor of North Yorkshire will also be expected to work closely with West Yorkshire.

Dr Mycock pointed to the government’s devolution deal for North Yorkshire, which emphasises that the combined authority should “explore opportunities for further collaboration” with authorities such as West Yorkshire.

He said:

“The challenge for candidates is that the economy is more diverse than most. You have got York, but you also have rural and coastal communities.

“One area [for the mayor] will be that they will have to work closely with the West Yorkshire mayor. The government has included strong conventions in the deal that they have to work with West Yorkshire.”

The election campaign to be North Yorkshire first mayor has been filled with pledges to boost the economy.

Some have promised High Street funds, others want to buy hotels and many believe they are the right person to attract private investment and business.

While the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire may not be able to directly affect how the economy performs, they will have responsibility for ensuring that those who do have that power invest in the county.

Who are North Yorkshire’s mayoral candidates?

Voters will head to the polls in five days time to elect the first Mayor of York and North Yorkshire.

The Stray Ferret has profiled each of the six candidates vying for the role on May 2.

Each major party is contesting the election, as well as two independents.

Below, you can find each candidate on the ballot paper plus a link to our interview with them.

Keith Tordoff, Independent

Keith Tordoff.

Keith Tordoff.

Keith Tordoff is no stranger to the election scene.

The Pateley Bridge businessman stood for North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner twice and has now put his name forward again for Mayor of York and North Yorkshire.

Initially standing for the Yorkshire Party, Mr Tordoff will once again be contesting the election on May 2 as an independent.

Read more on our interview with Mr Tordoff here.

Felicity Cunliffe-Lister, Liberal Democrats

Felicity Cunliffe-Lister

Felciity Cunliffe-Lister has not been in the political arena for long — but she feels she is the strongest candidate to become the first Mayor of York and North Yorkshire.

The co-owner of the Swinton Estate in Masham is the Liberal Democrat candidate on polling day on May 2.

Read more on our interview with Ms Cunliffe-Lister here.

Kevin Foster, Green Party

Kevin Foster.

Kevin Foster.

The Green Party’s Kevin Foster says he does not see himself as a politician, more of an “ordinary person done good”.

Mr Foster’s background includes serving in the British Army reserves for 30 years before moving into politics.

He will be tasked with winning the mayoral role for the Greens on May 2.

Read more on our interview with Mr Foster here.

Paul Haslam, Independent

Paul Haslam

Paul Haslam

Bilton resident Paul Haslam believes his extensive business experience stands him in good stead to be Mayor of York and North Yorkshire.

The Bilton and Nidd Gorge councillor was the last of six candidates to throw their hat into the ring to be the inaugural mayor.

Standing as an independent, Mr Haslam has centred his campaign around the economy and emphasised his business experience as his credentials.

Read more on our interview with Mr Haslam here.

David Skaith, Labour

David Skaith, Labour Party candidate for Mayor of York and North Yorkshire.

David Skaith

David Skaith is tasked with winning York and North Yorkshire’s mayoral election for Labour on May 2.

The York-based businessman joined the party in 2015 after becoming “fed up” with the way the country was going politically.

Read more on our interview with Mr Skaith here.

Keane Duncan, Conservative

Keane Duncan

Keane Duncan believes he has a “bold ambition” for North Yorkshire.

The 29-year-old candidate for Mayor of York and North Yorkshire is tasked with securing the position for the Conservative Party on May 2.

Read more on our interview with Mr Duncan here.

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Plans approved to convert Tockwith tennis court into multi-use games pitch

A planning application to convert existing tennis courts into a multi-use games pitch in Tockwith has been approved.

The plan, which was tabled to North Yorkshire Council in January, outlines plans to re-surface the two current tennis courts, install LED floodlights and erect new fencing.

The Stray Ferret reported on the proposal in February and spoke to Mike Corbett, chair of Tockwith Sportsfield Trust, which submitted the application.

Mr Corbett said at the time the new site would have an all-weather surface, adding:

“The current tennis courts are hard courts, but the surface is poor and weeds are coming through.

“Of course, we’re doing this to improve the club itself, but also to attract young people and give them something to do, rather than just being on their phones.”

A drawing of the proposed new site.

He said the new pitch will be suitable for tennis and five-aside football, adding the trust also planned to install basketball provisions at the open-air site.

Mr Corbett previously told the Stray Ferret the new fencing could also make the pitch suitable for padel tennis.

The trust planned to fund the project partly through section 106 monies, paid by developers who are building new housing developments in the village.

It will also be funded by the football club and Tockwith Festival. North Yorkshire Council approved the plans on Monday, April 22.

The Stray Ferret contacted Tockwith Sportsfield Trust about the approval, but did not receive a response at the time of publication.

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Public invited to attend Maltkiln consultation event

The developer hoping to build thousands of new homes between Harrogate and York will hold a public consultation in Kirk Hammerton next month.

Caddick Group says the event on Tuesday, May 7, at Kirk Hammerton village hall will be a chance for the local community to view its proposals for Maltkiln and to speak directly with the team developing the scheme. It will take place between 2pm and 8pm.

A minimum of 3,000 homes and two primary schools could be built near the villages of Cattal, Whixley, Green Hammerton and Kirk Hammerton.

This month, North Yorkshire Council submitted its Maltkiln development plan document (DPD) to the government’s Planning Inspectorate ahead of an examination.

Caddick says the scheme aims to address the “acute housing shortage” in North Yorkshire.

Proposals are also available to view and respond to on a dedicated consultation website.

An online form for feedback will open on Monday, May 6 and will close on Friday, May 27.

Chris Procter, director at Caddick Group, said:

“We have been liaising with North Yorkshire Council and other key political stakeholders throughout the DPD process, to ensure our plans are able to not only deliver much-needed housing, but are also able to provide a range of housing types and tenures, giving people the flexibility to live where they wish.

“Our revised proposals for Maltkiln will incorporate enhancements to transport infrastructure around the site, as well as bringing forward proposals for onsite amenities and a strategy to deliver biodiversity net gain, to deliver a sustainable and connected community.

“As the DPD process draws to a conclusion, we want to re-engage with the community to seek their valuable feedback on our revised plans.”

Arnold Warneken, Green Party councillor for Ouseburn, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that he hopes people living in the area will attend the consultation as he said there were still unanswered questions regarding the scheme.

The developer still does not own a large section of land around Cattal Station with the council saying it would be willing to use a compulsory purchase order to force through a sale.

He also questioned the timing of the consultation event which is taking place before the DPD examination.

Cllr Warneken said:

“We have not resolved the situation about land. I’m not sure why the consultation is taking place so early in the process. The community will get a chance to respond to DPD, which is the right way to do it. I don’t understand the thinking but I’m not a developer.”

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